Tips on Cebu City Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Cebu City Warnings and Dangers

Cebu City is a nice escape from the hectic pace of downtown Manila. Although the city is more relaxed, tourist do still need to be aware of several dangers.

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Internet Banking Scam

Always use your own laptop or cellphone to do internet banking in Cebu City. Travelers report computers with keyloggers, programs which can steal your banking information, are installed even in high-end hotels.

Visiting Local Attractions

Tourist visiting the Taoist Temple in Cebu City need to be careful, especially when climbing the 81 stairs to the top. When it is hot and humid, remember to climb slowly, and to take an umbrella or fan to help to stay cool. When it is raining, the stairs are extremely slippery.

Colon Street is notorious for its bad element. It is best to avoid this area of the city.

Excessive Begging

In many areas of the city, tours are approached by small child begging. Although it can be heartbreaking, it is best to avoid giving anything to them. The minute you give anything to a beggar in Cebu City, then others will flock to you like birds. Be nice, but simply say, “No.” Eventually they will stop following you.

Many people in the Philippines think all foreigners are rich — and compared to the locals they are. This leads to pushy people demanding “tips” from tourists for “services” they never requested. If you dont want to pay these “tips”, never let someone “help” you.

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Taking Public Transportation

Do not take a private car. They can be dangerous, and are always more expensive than other forms of public transpotation.

Make sure to agree on a price before getting into a taxi, or insist that the taxi driver turns on the meter. If you want to take a day trip outside of the city, sometimes a taxi driver can act as a guide, and look out for you. If you plan to make multiple excursions to tourist attractions around the city, it can make sense to use the same driver for each trip.

Act like you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Take a look at a map before getting in a taxi, so you will at least have some idea if the cabbie is taking you the long way.

Some tourists report that older taxi drivers are more trustworthy than younger drivers

Multicabs, the Cebu City version of Jeepneys, are a common way to get around the area, but travellers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times when using them. Snatch-and-grab crimes are common. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, flashing cash, or talking on your cell phone while taking public transportation. Tourists have reported thieves boldly threaten passengers, before stealing their property. Be especially cautious when multicabs make stops.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Fun Things to Do in Cebu City – Attractions & Must See
• Cebu City Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips
• Cebu City Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about dangers and warnings to avoid in Cebu City.